A controversial remark by former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit has sparked widespread concern after he suggested that Pakistan could target India in the event of a foreign attack.
Speaking during a discussion on a hypothetical conflict scenario, Basit said that if the United States were to attack Pakistan, it would have “no option” but to strike India, specifically mentioning Mumbai and New Delhi.
“If America attacks Pakistan, we have to attack India… without a second thought,” he said, adding that such a move would be considered in a worst-case scenario.
Although Basit repeatedly described the situation as unlikely, even calling it “almost impossible,” his remarks drew attention due to their direct reference to targeting major Indian cities.
He further stated that Pakistan would be compelled to respond if it perceived any threat, while also noting that neither India nor Pakistan would want such a situation to arise.
The comments quickly gained traction online, triggering debate over the implications of such rhetoric, particularly given Basit’s past role as Pakistan’s envoy to India between 2014 and 2017—a period marked by strained bilateral ties.
The remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions involving Pakistan, including friction with Afghanistan. Afghan authorities have recently accused Pakistani forces of conducting airstrikes in areas such as Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika, though independent verification remains limited.
Observers note that even though the comments were framed as hypothetical, they have contributed to broader concerns around regional security and the tone of public discourse by former officials.
There has been no official response from Indian authorities so far.
